Intelligence
The MyDavaoBase Blog
Practical intelligence on Philippine residency, tax, visas, banking, and life in Davao City. Direct, authoritative, no fluff.
Five Flags, One Paradise: What Really Happens to Your State, Workplace and Private Pensions in the Philippines
State pension, workplace pension, private pension: three different treaty outcomes per passport. How the Philippines DTAs treat US, UK, Canadian, Australian and NZ retirees.
Mid-2026 Update: What Changed for Philippine Residency This Year
The SRRV age drop to 40, doubled deposit insurance, the CRS timeline, and the Digital Nomad Visa that still has not arrived. A roundup of what actually changed for Philippine residency in 2026.
Philippines vs Malaysia, Thailand, and Panama: Choosing Your Base
How the Philippines compares to Malaysia's MM2H, Thailand's long-stay options, and Panama's residency for an internationally mobile person. Tax, cost, access, and the honest trade-offs.
Moving to Davao with a Family: Dependents, the 13(a), and Schools
How dependents are covered on Philippine residency visas, the 13(a) spousal route, international schooling in Davao, and what relocating a whole family actually involves.
Healthcare in Davao City: Hospitals, Insurance, and What to Expect
Davao's private hospitals, the real cost of care, and how expats handle health insurance. A practical look at medical quality and what it costs to stay covered.
A Neighbourhood Guide to Davao City: Where Expats Actually Live
Ecoland, Lanang, Bajada, Maa, and Matina. A practical guide to Davao City's main expat neighbourhoods, what each is like to live in, and what you will pay.
Why Real Boots on the Ground Still Matter, Even in the Age of AI
You can find everything about Philippine residency online, and AI will summarise it in seconds. Here is what it still cannot do, and why Tim and the team exist.
The Philippine Passport as a Long-Game Plan B: Naturalisation, Timelines, and Reality
There is no citizenship-by-investment in the Philippines. Here is the realistic path to a Philippine passport, the timelines involved, and what the document is worth.
Why Davao City Is Safer Than You Think, and Safer Than Most European Cities
Davao City consistently ranks among the safest cities in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. What the picture actually shows, and what daily life feels like for expats.